There is probably no more popular fishing bait on the planet earth than the good old worm. Just for the record, I'm not speaking of the colorful plastic things that Bass fishermen use. No, I'm speaking of the real thing, a live worm and the best way to fish it. Some anglers believe it's as easy as buying a Styrofoam container of worms, tying on a size 4 hook, and threading a worm onto that hook. Of course worm fishing cam be done this way (if you're 10 years old), but an angler can get a bit more technical and learn how to present their worm naturally by employing a set of gang hooks. Worm fishing becomes as much of an art as fly fishing when a set of gang hooks and ultra light gear are used. So what is a set of gang hooks? A set of gang hooks is simply two small hooks tied in tandem. You see, two small hooks tied in tandem allow the angler to present the worm in a completely natural way. The live worm that you're fishing with ends up looking the same as if you just took a live worm and through it in the water. A set of gang hooks is the only way to go worm fishing, in my opinion. So how do you get your hand on some of these gang hooks? You can buy them from somewhere like JRWfishing.com, or with a little research you can tie them yourself. If you what to tie them yourself, simply do a little knot research and you'll be on your way. I personally like to use small hooks (size 10), but size 8 seem to work well for worm fishing as well. If the hooks are too big, the natural presentation is lost while worm fishing. The bottom line is that if you like worm fishing, and catching more fish, gang hooks need to become a part of your fishing repertoire. My fishing mentor taught me how to use gang hooks while worm fishing, and I've been catching fish ever since. As I alluded to earlier, by using gang hooks and ultra light fishing gear, worm fishing becomes every bit of the art that fly fishing claims to be. Remember: You don't have to be waving a fake flea back and forth to be considered an artist.
It seems that almost every angler has caught fish with live worms. As a matter of fact, it would probably be difficult to find a person who doesn't think of fishing, when the term 'live worm' is mentioned. Live worms have long been known as great fishing bait, and what's interesting is the fact that many anglers still fish with live worms in the same manner that they always have. That is, they buy a container of worms and when baiting up, they simply 'thread' that worm onto a single hook. Either that or they hook the worm over an over again creating what I like to call a "worm ball". Although fishing a live worm in the aforementioned manner will result in a few bites and some fish will be caught, it's just not the best or most effective way to fish with a live worm. Let me ask you a question. When is the last time you saw anything even resembling a "worm ball" in nature? What does a worm look like if you lay it on the ground or throw it in the water? Not like a "worm ball", I can promise you that. When you were a kid you did certain things that you wouldn't even consider doing anymore, right? Sure, and why is that? Because you've matured and grown up. So why does the way you fish with live worms need to remain the same as it always has? Especially when that way involves creating something that isn't at all natural? The basics of live worm fishing involve presenting that worm in a natural manner, rather than an unnatural manner. How do you accomplish this? Simple, through the use of a set of gang hooks. A set of gang hooks is simply a pair of small hooks tied in tandem. This enables you to present a live worm in an outstretched and natural manner. A set of gang hooks has a second hook in play as well, which helps in hooking any short striking fish (that is if they try to bite the "tail" of the worm). If you're going to fish with live worms, gang hooks need to be employed, it's as simple as that. The other basic of live worm fishing is having a way to transport your worms. Many anglers carry around the container that the worms were purchased in and then take worms out as they are needed. This works and again anglers have been doing it forever. The problem is that it's the least efficient way possible to carry live worms while fishing. An apparatus such as a bait bag should be employed. A bait bag is a bag that hangs off of an anglers vest, shirt, or belt, that holds live worms. In other words, live worms are purchased as they normally would be. Then, when the angler reaches their fishing destination, the worms are transferred into the bait bag. Now the anglers live worms are right there at their fingertips waiting to be used! There is no more wasted time digging worms out of the container they were purchased in. These are the basics of live worm fishing. These simple tips/techniques will enable any angler to dramatically increase their hook-up rates. I say hook-up rates because the fighting and landing of the fish is up to you, these tips will result in more bites though, I know that for a fact.
Trevor Kugler has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acid Reflux, Fishing and Fishing. Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout. Trevor Kugler's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.